Big challenge for Hockey Quebec The federation presents the independent

Big challenge for Hockey Quebec: The federation presents the independent report on its governance

Sports News / By

When he arrived as Hockey Quebec’s general manager, Jocelyn Thibault promised a culture change. With the recommendations published in BNP Performance’s independent report, he has a good base of files to work on in the coming years.

• Also read: The CHL is doing everything it can to change that

• Also read: Ice hockey: less about performance and more about human development

The 20-page document, which was handed over to the members and representatives of the administrative regions on Friday evening, reveals the issues of roles and governance.

An aspect that Thibault had noticed since he took office.

“It was very important to redefine the role of Hockey Quebec,” said the former NHL goaltender. We have a role as managers of our sport.

“Regions and smaller ice hockey associations are autonomous. Sometimes we asked about things, but we had no answers. Our approach should be accompanied by an independent company.

“We received ten recommendations and want to implement them. We need better accountability and top-down alignment. You can’t miss this curve. »

A revolution

Hockey Quebec CEO Claude Fortin does not hesitate to speak of a “revolution” within the federation.

“There are major changes coming to the composition of the Board of Directors with a matrix and a term of office,” he said. There will be clearly defined things to ensure succession and the sustainability of the organization.

“We are at a very important moment in the association. You have to go back to 2002 to witness such a big change. »

Judge Cromwell’s report on the governance of Hockey Canada was a benchmark in the HQ process.

“There are elements that we used,” Fortin added. We have evolved as the file progressed. »

A second independent report will be presented in September. Always from BNP Performance. According to Thibault and Fortin, this revolution could take several years.

The famous base

Since the beginning of his tenure, Thibault has been aware of the state of relations between his federation, the regions and the federations. It’s not always good.

“We have to make sure with our regions that we network well with our associations,” said the Director General. Our role is to create policies and programs and to guide our grassroots in implementing them.

“When they need resources, our job is to support them, not take their place. »

Sustainable changes

Over the past few decades we have often seen announcements or reports of minor hockey from Hockey Quebec.

Will this report allow this federation to make lasting changes to revitalize this sport in Quebec? We will know in the years to come.

One thing is for sure. The challenge for Jocelyn Thibault and the board is great. If they want it to work, they will take concrete action on their part. On the other hand, the regions and local associations have to buy the plan from their association. Easier said than done, but the intentions are there.

HERE ARE THE 10 RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Realignment of the mission of your federation
  • Creation of a place for hockey operations
  • Creation of a body aimed at supporting governance practices at Hockey Québec, but also in the administrative regions and smaller hockey federations
  • A complete overhaul of the Standing Committee of the Regions
  • Have Hockey Quebec staff in each region to be aware of the reality of each of them
  • Employ a governance framework at all levels of Hockey Québec
  • Hockey Quebec needs to get closer to its base and have more presence on the field
  • Achieve greater independence between the HQ Board of Directors and its various committees
  • Have a more comprehensive code of ethics and training for its directors on the subject
  • Obtain ministerial recognition to have legitimacy in their actions

    • *Source: BNP performance report

    An easier task for volunteers

    The Goal Foundation

    The connection between Hockey Quebec and its administrative regions has been audited by the independent firm. There is still work to be done before efficiency is optimal.

    The independent report’s recommendations include a complete overhaul of the Standing Committee of the Regions. Some regional presidents might wince at this point.

    “We want to help the regions. Join her, Jocelyn Thibault indicated. Then we want the regions to support their smaller associations.

    “Our model is based on volunteer work. More and more permanent employees are settling in the regions. It’s the same in clubs.

    “If you look at our current model in 5 or 10 years, that’s alarming. We want to unburden the volunteers by supporting them and doing the same for those of tomorrow. »

    An innovation

    This weekend, Hockey Quebec will innovate by presenting the report to its members. The Standing Commission of the Regions will sit in one room with the Board of Directors.

    And in another room, Thibault will hold operational talks with other members of the regions.

    “We want to show the direction we want to take and raise awareness of the role of politics in strategic direction and governance,” said Chairman of the Board Claude Fortin.

    “Our goal is not to impose ourselves in the regions, but to support and help them. They need that. »

    Charest is aware of this

    Sports Minister Isabelle Charest received a copy of the report.

    “She knows our procedures and information from the board,” said Thibault. We are well prepared for this.

    “Management’s right is important and it is fundamental that she agrees. She is satisfied and supports our efforts. »

    Big challenge for Hockey Quebec: The federation presents the independent report on its governance Read More »

    Biden says he will see Charles III in July

    Biden says he will see Charles III in July

    Latest News / By

    Joe Biden, who did not attend the coronation of Charles III on Saturday. will attend, said on Friday that he would see the monarch in July to talk about the environment in particular.

    • Also read: Coronation of Charles III: here is the daily routine on Saturday

    • Also read: Coronation: “It is a challenge for Karl to enter the modern age”

    • Also read: The monarchy, “it is obsolete”!

    “We’re going to a NATO conference in Europe and I told him I’ll stop either on the way there or back to talk about the issue that interests him most, the environment,” the US President said in an interview with MSNBC.

    The annual NATO summit is scheduled for July 11-12 in Vilnius, Lithuania.

    It is Jill Biden, the wife of the American President, who greeted him at the coronation of Charles III on Saturday. is represented.

    Joe Biden called the king in early April to congratulate him on his accession to the throne.

    Biden says he will see Charles III in July Read More »

    Cine Nostalgia James Bond vs Dr No is celebrating its

    Cine Nostalgia: “James Bond vs. Dr. No” is celebrating its 60th anniversary

    Entertainment News / By

    Few franchises are as iconic as James Bond’s. And 007’s first screen appearance in 60 years has spawned a popular culture phenomenon that has grossed over $7 billion in cinemas. So here to welcome the release James Bond vs Dr. No May 8, 1963 in North America, everything you need to know about the very first Bond.

    Contrary to what one might think, it wasn’t Sean Connery that interested producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, but Cary Grant. Too bad, the latter’s fee matched the film’s entire production budget, which amounted to…$1 million! Also, Grant didn’t want to commit to three feature films. The two men then began looking elsewhere before settling on Sean Connery, a then-unknown. Ian Flemming, the author of the novels, was not convinced, however, as the actor was too far removed from his British character and came from a middle-class family. After seeing the film, he changed his mind.

    Ursula Andress, the legendary Honey Ryder and sex symbol after this role, was an unusual choice to say the least. In fact, his Swiss-German accent was so pronounced that it could not be overheard. So it was Nikki van der Zyl who dubbed all her dialogue. Also, Andress couldn’t sing and it’s Diana Couplan we hear humming Underneath the Mango Tree. And for those interested in gossip: Ursula Andress and Sean Connery had a chat while filming James Bond vs. Dr. No one affair they ended when the actor’s wife got pregnant.

    The famous music that has become synonymous with James Bond is not, as one might think, the work of John Barry. In fact, it was composer Monty Norman who wrote the sheet music for Bad Sign Good Sign for a musical adaptation that never saw the light of day. John Barry then rearranged it and the tune became a spy anthem. And for the record, we note that it is not Sean Connery who is accused in the credits – the famous gun barrel opening sequence – of James Bond versus Dr. No shows up, but a stuntman named Bob Simmons. .. to Thunderball.

    Sylvia Trench, played by Eunice Gayson, is the woman who meets James Bond at the baccarat table and ends up in his bed. Normally, she should return in the following films, taking the place of the secret agent’s official mistress. But the producers changed their minds after Kisses from Russia. Also, Eunice Gayson must have been naked when Sean Connery opened the door to her hotel room and she played golf… an initiative that censorship at the time was quick to ban.

    The James Bond vs. Dr. No” impressed none other than legendary director Stanley Kubrick. So he decided to hire production designer Ken Adam for his 1963 release Doctor Strangelove.

    And finally, Sean Connery’s cult line “Bond, James Bond” was improvised. The actor found that the intended words “My name is James Bond” didn’t have the leeway needed for his character.

    Cine Nostalgia: “James Bond vs. Dr. No” is celebrating its 60th anniversary Read More »

    Cyber ​​criminals are taking advantage of tax season beware

    Cyber ​​criminals are taking advantage of tax season, beware!

    Business News / By

    Tax season is a prime opportunity for cybercriminals to steal identities and money from individuals and businesses. As time goes by, the strategies become more sophisticated; therefore special caution is required.

    “Cybercriminals can set up a phishing campaign themselves and target the entire population because everyone has to file taxes at the same time,” warns cybersecurity expert David Ferland, Fortinet’s director of engineering for Eastern Canada.

    Now that tax returns have been sent out, tax refund season has begun and this is the time when fraudulent calls, emails and text messages are the most common. Even on social networks like Messenger or WhatsApp, you can see fraudulent messages identified with Revenu Québec or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

    “Individuals and businesses are equally at risk. Those under 25 and those over 60 are more vulnerable, as cybercriminals believe that these individuals may be less knowledgeable about tax policy and therefore more vulnerable to emotional manipulation,” notes Ferland.

    According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center (CAFC), the main scam is to trick people into believing that a benefit or amount of money is available after a tax return audit. In other cases, criminals play on a sense of urgency to persuade their victims to take action. For example, they will pretend that a tax deadline has passed and that serious consequences could follow. You will be prompted to click a link or enter information.

    Businesses are also at risk

    In companies, victims are well targeted, as cybercriminals have cross-checked information from the dark web or from social media and the internet. This allows them to write posts that sound very believable. Gradually, they trick an employee into revealing important information such as passwords or access to bank accounts.

    “Social engineering is now being combined with hacking techniques and the proliferation of malware such as ransomware to carry out increasingly destructive attacks,” warns David Ferland.

    How can you protect yourself?

    “Be careful if you receive a notice that appears to be from the Canadian Internal Revenue Service. For both individuals and companies, people are the weakest link in cybersecurity,” recalls the Fortinet expert.

    Please note that the CRA will never use text messages or instant messaging such as Messenger to start a conversation about taxes, benefits or your case, nor will it use these means of communication to solicit information from you. Also, no emails will be sent with a link to a page that asks you to provide personal or financial information. The agency does not require payment by prepaid credit card or gift card. It does not require or pay out Bitcoin payments. She makes no threats.

    If the CRA needs to call you, they’ve written you beforehand if you owe taxes or money for a government program or haven’t filed your tax return yet, or if they have questions about documents you sent. When in doubt, call the agency before sharing information and if you notice any suspicious communications, report them to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

    In 2022, more than 1,000 CRA-related reports were reported to the CAFC, but we know that many cases of fraud and attempted fraud are never reported.

    Examples of fraudulent messages:

    Phone:

    A call to notify you that a federal tax evasion criminal case has been filed against you. We invite you to urgently call the Revenue Agency to find out more, under penalty of legal action, and we will provide you with a number to call you back.

    E-mail:

    INTERAC e-Transfer reminder: “You have received funds from CRA.” The transfer, which shows a specific amount, looks believable and prompts you to click a link to deposit your funds. The CRA never sends money via Interac e-Transfer.

    Or

    A message with the Canadian government logo informs you that the CRA cannot reimburse you for a certain amount because the information does not match. You will be prompted to verify information by clicking on an “ARC Account” button.

    Text message:

    You will be informed that you are entitled to a tax refund and prompted to click on a link.

    Cyber ​​criminals are taking advantage of tax season, beware! Read More »

    League 1 2023 LIVE Matches table time and channel to

    League 1 2023 LIVE: Matches, table, time and channel to see date 15 of the inaugural tournament

    Sports News / By

    League 1 2023 LIVE Matches table time and channel to

    The 15th date of the inaugural League 1 2023 tournament begins this weekend and there could be changes at the top of the table for the teams battling to win the first Peruvian soccer tournament of the year. As is well known, Alianza Lima and Universitario de Deportes are the two teams that have won their respective games and are the favorites to win the title.

    The day begins with the Cusco FC vs. Deportivo Municipal game to be played in the Imperial City and the Cusqueños will look to take the three points to get closer to the Blue and Whites. When added, they reach 26.

    For his part, Alianza Lima will face Carlos Mannucci in Matute with the motto of achieving victory and reclaiming first place in the Apertura tournament, taking advantage of the fact that Universitario will have to rest on that date.

    YOU CAN SEE: League 1 has the game Alianza vs. Vallejo: Intimates have one rest day less against Municipal

    Sporting Cristal also need the three points to recover in the championship and hope to win the visit to UTC in Cajamarca.

    League 1 2023: Programming date 15 of the inaugural tournament

    Liga 1 2023: Position table of the opening tournament

    League 1 2023 LIVE: Matches, table, time and channel to see date 15 of the inaugural tournament Read More »

    Meet Britains most patriotic dogs Puppies are dressed in red

    Meet Britain’s most patriotic dogs! Puppies are dressed in red, white and blue

    Latest News / By

    Meet Britain’s most patriotic dogs! Puppies dress up in red, white and blue to celebrate King Charles’ coronation

    By Madeleine Ross

    Published: 10:26 AM, May 6, 2023 | Updated: 4:27 PM, May 6, 2023

    It’s not just people joining in the coronation action as we prepare for the coronation of Their Majesties the King and Queen.

    Pets across the country don their red, white, and blue merry rags to celebrate the coronation.

    Dogs and coronations have a long history. A devoted dog owner, Queen Victoria reportedly bathed her dogs before her own coronation in 1838.

    Coronation-goers have been warned by vets to be careful when taking their dogs to places with large crowds, which could cause stress for their pets.

    Battersea Dogs and Cats Home shared pictures of some of its residents looking “particularly proud” ahead of the start of the coronation ceremony.

    Do YOU ​​have pictures of patriotic pets? Email [email protected]

    Dogs from Battersea Dogs Home share a picnic ahead of Saturday's coronation celebrations

    Dogs from Battersea Dogs Home share a picnic ahead of Saturday’s coronation celebrations

    Pets across the country have been pictured in their red, white and blue Sunday bests as people prepare to celebrate with them

    Pets across the country have been pictured in their red, white and blue Sunday bests as people prepare to celebrate with them

    A puppy sleeps beside its owner's feet after a long day of coronation celebrations in Hyde Park

    A puppy sleeps beside its owner’s feet after a long day of coronation celebrations in Hyde Park

    A proud spaniel wearing a Union Jack ribbon poses for a photo with other coronation merchandise

    A proud spaniel wearing a Union Jack ribbon poses for a photo with other coronation merchandise

    A soaked dog still looks chic in his bow tie at the Coronation celebrations in Windsor

    A soaked dog still looks chic in his bow tie at the Coronation celebrations in Windsor

    Vets have warned coronation celebrants are making a slight mistake when deciding to take their dogs to street festivals or to watch the procession in central London

    Vets have warned coronation celebrants are making a slight mistake when deciding to take their dogs to street festivals or to watch the procession in central London

    Royal supporters and pet owners shared pictures of their proud dolls in their Sunday Best.

    Some used bandanas to celebrate the big day with their pets, while others went further with special leashes and harnesses.

    Large bows adorned the collars of other dogs, which were adorned with glitter and adorned with Union Jacks.

    Vets have warned coronation celebrants are making a slight mistake when deciding to take their dogs to street festivals or to watch the procession in central London.

    Dogs can easily become overwhelmed in large crowds, which can lead to behavior problems even in well-trained dogs.

    Vets said unless the pet is a service or support animal, it would be best to leave them at home where they feel safe.

    But that doesn’t have to stop pet owners from enjoying Coronation Day with their dogs, as pictures on social media show.

    Murphy, a mini dash from Stalybridge, gets into the party mood

    Murphy, a mini dash from Stalybridge, gets into the party mood

    1683387153 827 Meet Britains most patriotic dogs Puppies are dressed in red 1683387154 379 Meet Britains most patriotic dogs Puppies are dressed in red 1683387156 499 Meet Britains most patriotic dogs Puppies are dressed in red 1683387158 432 Meet Britains most patriotic dogs Puppies are dressed in red 1683387160 958 Meet Britains most patriotic dogs Puppies are dressed in red Social media users shared pictures of their dogs enjoying the big day, dressed majestically in red, white and blue

    Social media users shared pictures of their dogs enjoying the big day, dressed majestically in red, white and blue

    Pictures of proud pets were shared ahead of Coronation Day as people prepared to celebrate the king’s big day.

    Murphy, a mini dash from Stalybridge, looked stunning in a red and white hat as he got into the party mood.

    Gus, a beautiful miniature wirehaired dachshund who lives in Battersea, looked regal in his crown and gold ribbon for the coronation, while Teddy, the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, donned a luxurious ‘God Save The King’ bib against a backdrop of the wore Union Jack flags.

    Meanwhile, Clementine the fluffy Sphynx looked as pretty as a princess, wearing a sequined rainbow crown and a multicolored waistcoat.

    Four-legged friends across the UK have dressed up like royalty amid the countdown to King Charles' coronation

    Four-legged friends across the UK have dressed up like royalty amid the countdown to King Charles’ coronation

    Gus, Battersea's favorite miniature wirehaired dachshund, looked regal in his crown for the coronation

    Gus, Battersea’s favorite miniature wirehaired dachshund, looked regal in his crown for the coronation

    This pup has been crowned and dressed in a majestic robe Owners dressed their dog like royalty before the big day

    Dressed like a king: This pup was crowned before the coronation and dressed in a majestic robe

    Ringo, the eight-year-old Miniature Schnauzer from Emsworth in Hampshire, is getting ready for the big day

    Ringo, the eight-year-old Miniature Schnauzer from Emsworth in Hampshire, is getting ready for the big day

    Meet Britain’s most patriotic dogs! Puppies are dressed in red, white and blue Read More »

    1683387041 Police arrest anti monarchy protesters ahead of King Charles coronation

    Police arrest anti-monarchy protesters ahead of King Charles’ coronation – Portal UK

    Latest News / By

    LONDON (Portal) – Police arrested the leader of anti-monarchy group Republic hours before King Charles’ coronation on Saturday and removed him from the few hundred yellow-clad protesters who had gathered amid crowds along the processional route in the centre London.

    Republic had announced it would stage the largest protest against a British monarch in modern history. The protesters wore yellow T-shirts to distinguish themselves from those dressed in red, white and blue and held up signs that read “Not My King”.

    They spent most of the service booing or singing songs like “he’s just a normal man.”

    But London Police had warned they would take action if protesters tried to hinder “the enjoyment and celebration” of the day, and they formed a ring around the group.

    The Republic said its leader Graham Smith was arrested on Saturday morning and a photo posted to Twitter showed him sitting on the ground surrounded by police officers.

    “It’s disgusting and massively overdone,” said Kevin John, 57, a Devon salesman who was among the protesters.

    “It’s also hugely counterproductive by the police because they just created a huge amount of publicity for us. It’s completely insane.”

    Police did not confirm Smith’s arrest but said they had four people on suspicion of causing a public nuisance and three people on suspicion of possessing items to cause criminal harm in one like her called a “significant police operation”.

    The Republic said hundreds of their posters had been confiscated.

    “As we speak, Republic’s entire core team remains in custody,” it said on Twitter. “They’ll probably be released when the whole monarchy PR show is over.”

    There were also protests in Glasgow, Scotland, and Cardiff, Wales: “Abolish the monarchy, feed the people”. was.

    Although the protesters were a minority compared to the tens of thousands who rallied on London’s streets to support the king, polls suggest support for the monarchy is waning, weakest among young people.

    Coronation of Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla

    [1/7] Protesters hold placards as people gather on the day of the coronation ceremony of Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla in London, Britain, May 6, 2023. Portal/Piroschka van de Wouw/Pool

    As Queen Elizabeth’s crown passes to her less popular son, Republican campaigners are hoping Charles will be the last British monarch to be crowned.

    “It has a hereditary billionaire who was born into wealth and privilege and basically symbolizes the inequality of wealth and power in our society,” said Clive Lewis, an MP for the opposition Labor Party.

    INCREDIBLY EXPENSIVE

    In London, demonstrators are demanding an elected head of state. They say the royal family has no place in a modern constitutional democracy and is incredibly expensive to maintain.

    Most of the anti-monarchy protesters had gathered in Trafalgar Square on Saturday next to the bronze statue of King Charles I, who was beheaded in 1649, leading to a short-lived republic.

    Some held up signs reading “Privatize Them” and “Abolish the monarchy, not the right to protest.”

    Other signs showed a picture of Meghan, wife of Charles’ son Prince Harry, with the words “People’s Princess” and “God Save the King” with a picture of the late football star Pele.

    There have been protests at royal events since Charles became king last September. He was molested at a Commonwealth Day event at Westminster Abbey in March and attacked with eggs in York in November.

    The Queen’s death has also reignited debate in other parts of the world, such as Australia and Jamaica, about the need to keep Charles as head of state.

    The New South Wales State Government said it had decided not to light the Sydney Opera House’s sails on the occasion of the coronation to save money.

    While many other European monarchies have come and gone, or greatly diminished in size and importance, the British royal family has remained remarkably resilient.

    In the UK, polls show that the majority of the population still wants the royal family, but there is a long-term trend of declining support.

    A poll by YouGov last month found that 64% of people in the UK said they had little or no interest in the coronation. Among 18-24 year olds, the proportion who expressed little or no interest rose to 75%.

    Reporting by Andrew MacAskill, Editing by Angus MacSwan, Alexandra Hudson

    Our standards: The Thomson Portal Trust Principles.

    Police arrest anti-monarchy protesters ahead of King Charles’ coronation – Portal UK Read More »

    1683386920 Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway dumps billions of dollars worth of

    Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway dumps billions of dollars worth of US stocks

    Business News / By

    Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway sold billions of dollars worth of stock in the first three months of the year and put little money into the US stock market as the famous investor saw little appeal in a volatile market.

    Berkshire announced Saturday that it had sold $13.3 billion worth of shares and bought shares for a fraction of that number in the first quarter. Instead, the company invested $4.4 billion in repurchasing its own stock and $2.9 billion in the stock of other publicly traded companies.

    The numbers underscore the struggle Berkshire faces to leverage its cash pile at a time when Buffett and his longtime right-hand man, Charlie Munger, view valuations as unsavory. The company’s cash balance has increased by $2 billion since the beginning of this year to $130.6 billion, the highest since the end of 2021.

    Munger told the Financial Times last month that investors should lower their expectations for stock market returns as the Federal Reserve hikes interest rates and the economy slows.

    Berkshire reported first-quarter earnings of $35.5 billion, or $24,377 per Class A share, largely due to a stock rally that boosted the value of its $328 billion stock portfolio. Profit increased from $5.6 billion last year.

    Operating income — Buffett’s preferred measure of performance for Berkshire’s diverse group of companies — rose 12.6 percent year over year to $8.1 billion. For the first time, the number includes results from rest stop company Pilot Flying J, which Berkshire acquired a majority stake in January.

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    Charlie Munger

    The results often come under scrutiny given the cross-section of the country where Berkshire touches dozens of companies, including in energy, logistics, housing and manufacturing.

    One of Berkshire’s crown jewels, auto insurer Geico, posted an underwriting profit after six straight quarters of losses. The company said reducing advertising and raising interest rates helped the unit post an underwriting profit of $703 million.

    The impact of higher interest rates and slower economic growth was evident across companies, including ice cream supplier Dairy Queen, aircraft parts maker Precision Castparts and BNSF railroad.

    Berkshire warned that Clayton Homes, one of the largest makers of modular homes in the US, continues to be weighed down by lower home sales and that sales at its other home companies were down earlier in the year. Traffic on its BNSF railway also fell earlier in the year, which the company attributed to lower imports from the West Coast and the loss of a customer.

    However, higher interest rates have also been a boon for Berkshire. The company invests the majority of its $130.6 billion in cash in short-term Treasury bills and bank deposits.

    Income from these short-term bills and cash-like deposits increased to $1.1 billion from $164 million a year earlier.

    The numbers were released just hours before Buffett and three other Berkshire executives took the stage in downtown Omaha, where tens of thousands of shareholders had gathered for the company’s annual meeting.

    Shareholders will hear the 92-year-old billionaire and his vice-chairmen Munger, Gregory Abel and Ajit Jain discuss the economy, the Fed’s efforts to lower inflation and Berkshire itself.

    The four men are likely to press why the sprawling conglomerate hasn’t invested substantially in the US banking sector as it did in the midst of the financial crisis.

    Back then, Berkshire’s capital helped prop up both Goldman Sachs and Bank of America. The latter is now a core position in the company’s stock portfolio.

    Berkshire stock is up 4.9 percent year-to-date.

    Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway dumps billions of dollars worth of US stocks Read More »